At the Cold Lake Community Council Meeting on April 25, 2007 people talked about the following business:

People First

The next People First meeting is May 2. Sandra said that the members will be picking a new name for the group, have elections and new goals at the meeting.

PDD Update

Sherry, PDD Representative reported that the “Help Wanted” video was award the Gold Award in the category of Issue Awareness with the Aurora Awards and was voted Best Communications/Training Video.

Conference in 2008

Dennis asked Sherry if the Community Council should send a letter of intent that Cold Lake wants to host the 2008 Conference. Sherry said this was a good idea. Jennifer will have the letter ready to go by the next community council meeting.

Community Council

Sandra talked to some teachers about the services for people with disabilities. Sandra and Dennis talked about making an information booklet soe that people will know what services are available. Also the booklet could help people who are transitioning from school to adulthood.

People talked about the Community Council helping with transition planning. The Council could host a meeting with speakers. The expense of the meeting, about $450.00, could come out of the council budget.

Transportation

The Bus Committee will be proposing a pilot project of reduced cab fare rides to seniors and people with developmental disabilities to reduce the demand on the handi-bus. The second vehicle may be brought on in the later stages of the pilot project. This will allow the bus to mainly be used for those in need of an adapted vehicle.

Housing

The Housing meeting is on the same night as Community Council. This makes it hard for people to go to the meeting. There are independent separate units that are similar to the general apartment style in the community. This is affordable housing that is open to all members of Cold Lake community including people who are in transition from the Margaret Savage Centre, seniors, persons with developmental disabilities and general members.

Education and Training

There is Abuse Protocol training under way in Whitecourt. This is mainly for service providers but families and individuals are welcome as well. Community Options staff in Cold Lake are also receiving Abuse Protocol training. This is in plain language so that the individuals who are involved will understand the training better.

Logo Discussion

Dennis showed the logo and talked about how the banner can be changed for each Community Council. Dennis asked people to think of ideas for the banner. He suggested that the banner be more inclusive of all disabilities. Dennis said a new brochure can be made when the new logo is finished.

Co-Chair Meeting in St. Paul.

Dennis said the meeting will be on June 9, 2007. People will talk about the role of community council and also prepare terms of reference for community council.

Dennis asked people to think of ways to get more people to come to the meetings. He asked everyone to bring someone that they know to the meeting. Barb suggested that they have a pizza night. She also asked if the day and time of the meeting needs to be changed. It may be the Community Council meeting time conflicts with other meetings.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is May 30, 2007. And, just a note that there are no Community Council meetings in July and August.